Global geoscience software company Seequent’s contaminants extension for its three-dimensional (3D) modelling and analysis solution, Leapfrog Works, was launched to provide users with accurate estimates and location of contaminants.

While Seequent has been delivering tools for contaminated land and water applications for several years, the company saw potential for re-engineering existing technology in 2019 to provide better and more intuitive tools to assist in solving important environmental and societal problems. This gave rise to the contaminants extension, launched in June.

The integrated solution enables geoscientists to easily and intuitively create robust 3D models of subsurface contamination plumes to allow for reliable definition and estimation of contamination and its location.

Leapfrog Works, together with the new contaminants extension, forms part of Seequent’s wider set of contaminated site solutions. The software enables users to build 3D models from environmental data within hours, and these models can be updated at each stage of the project’s life cycle.

The visual models can be readily shared with project stakeholders to assist in communicating and understanding every stage of contaminated site management.

“By combining 3D dynamic geological models with best practice geostatistical methods, we’re enabling people to build, maintain, communicate and track defensible interpretations and mitigation strategies for contamination resolution – allowing for better and more transparent decision-making,” says Seequent environmental segment director Thomas Krom.

Currently, environmental scientists estimate contamination plumes using a spreadsheet or geographic information system, or they rely on one or two people in their organisation to create 3D models.

“The extension leverages Leapfrog’s intuitive workflows to enable users to be productive almost immediately, making industry-standard geostatistics accessible for everyone and is valuable to projects of any size.”

The market response to this product has been positive, with consulting and engineering firm Geosyntec Consultants senior professional Eryn Torres stating that the organised workspace, powerful algorithms and reporting capabilities have made Leapfrog and the contaminants extension invaluable tools for the company.

“Seequent solutions allow for clear communication to end-users, regulators and the general public, as the 3D models of contaminated sites and associated groundwater systems are recorded using a fully auditable data-driven approach across the entire life-cycle of site management,” notes Krom.

As Seequent tools are constantly evolving, Leapfrog Works was a natural evolution from the company’s other Leapfrog products. The company engages closely with numerous existing and new clients in developing products that meet the Seequent standard and are fit for purpose.

Cloud-based data and model management solution Seequent Central enables teams and project stakeholders to seamlessly share data and collaborate on models from any location to ensure that contamination resolution decisions are based on the latest information.